Where you stay in Santorini shapes your whole holiday. The caldera villages give you the view, the beach villages give you the sea and better prices. Here is how to choose, with hotels we list in each area.
Oia
The most famous caldera village, with the classic sunset views – beautiful but busy in the evenings.
- Fanari Villas – A cliffside hotel of 16 cave-style suites in Oia, looking across the caldera towards Thirassia and the volcano. It has a pool and sun deck, a cave sauna and its own restaurant and bars, with Ammoudi Bay and the Oia castle viewpoint within walking distance.
- Canaves Oia – A collection of luxury cliffside hotels in Oia (Canaves Ena, Oia Suites, Epitome and Sunday) with suites stepping down the caldera. Expect private verandas, plunge pools and on-site fine dining, aimed at couples and honeymooners.
- Katikies Santorini – A long-established luxury hotel on the Oia cliffs, split into the wellness-focused Gea House and the infinity-pool Pelagos House. Every room has a private veranda over the caldera; children over 13 are accepted.
Imerovigli
Quieter and higher than Fira, with the widest caldera views; ideal for couples.
- Astra Suites – An all-suite hotel spilling down the caldera edge at Imerovigli, with suites, private-pool options and villas. A cliffside infinity pool, a restaurant and wellness treatments are on site, and the Skaros Rock trail starts nearby.
- Kapari Natural Resort – A 17-room Cycladic-style resort on the Imerovigli cliffs with a panoramic pool and caldera views from every level. Its Kapari Wine Restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes with a strong list of Santorini wines.
Fira
The island capital: the most restaurants, shops and bus connections, steps from the caldera path.
- Aressana Spa Hotel & Suites – A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World set in the heart of Fira, a few steps from the caldera path, shops and the cable car. It combines a large pool, a spa and a restaurant with rooms ranging from classic doubles to suites with hot tubs.
- Anteliz Suites – A family-run boutique hotel of 14 suites and villas on the caldera path between Fira and Firostefani. Several units have private pools, and there is a three-bedroom heritage villa from 1767 for groups.
Kamari
A black-sand beach resort on the east coast – easy, family-friendly and better value.
- Tamarix del Mar Suites – A suite hotel about 180 m from Kamari's black-sand beach, built as two-storey houses around a garden pool. Families get a children's pool, suites with kitchenettes and babysitting on request, and there is a small spa.
Perissa
Long black-sand beach on the south-east coast with relaxed tavernas and good prices.
- Perissa Bay Hotel – A simple, well-reviewed beachfront hotel on Perissa's black-sand shore, with a pool and pool bar. A good value base for beach holidays, with tavernas and water sports on the doorstep.
Tip: caldera hotels have many steps; if you travel with small children or heavy luggage, ask about access before you book.
